The debate surrounding India’s middle-order conundrum in ODIs has been ongoing for years. The absence of a stable No.4 and No.5 position has haunted India’s batting lineup, often resulting in critical losses. Following the retirement of stalwarts like Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni, the search for a dependable replacement intensified. However, in recent times, India seems to have struck gold with the emergence of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer.
The 2019 World Cup semifinal loss exposed India’s vulnerability in the middle order, particularly at the No.4 and No.5 positions. The absence of a reliable batsman to anchor the innings and provide stability proved detrimental. Over the years, India experimented with more than 10 players in these positions, but consistency remained elusive. The modern approach to ODI batting emphasizes adaptability, yet a solid middle-order is indispensable.
Amid this batting dilemma, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer emerged as potential solutions. Both players have showcased remarkable performances and have established themselves as dependable middle-order batsmen. KL Rahul’s transformation into a wicketkeeper-batsman and subsequent performances have solidified his place in the lineup. With 742 runs at an impressive average of 53 and a strike rate of 99.33, Rahul has embraced his role with expertise.
Before his unfortunate injury, Shreyas Iyer demonstrated his prowess with the bat. Scoring 805 runs at an average of 47.35 and a strike rate of 94.37, Iyer proved his ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when required. His proficiency against spin and his dual game make him a valuable asset in subcontinent conditions.
Ravichandran Ashwin, a prominent voice in Indian cricket, has endorsed the reliability of Rahul and Iyer in the middle-order. Ashwin emphasizes that Rahul’s role as a wicketkeeper and a batsman fills the void left by Dhoni’s retirement. He applauds Iyer’s effectiveness against spin and consistent performance at No.4.
“Since Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni retired, India desperately sought a replacement. Rahul has filled that slot with expertise. He is a definite lock at No. 5 and our wicketkeeper-batsman,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“Before Pant’s injury, Rahul was second in line, and now Ishan Kishan is the second keeper; he has grabbed that opportunity with both hands. Rahul has some niggle, but hopefully, he will be ready for the first game. If he is not, we have an 18-member traveling with the squad in Sanju Samson,” Ashwin added.
Ashwin’s assertion that there should be no debate about India’s No.4 and No.5 is a testament to Rahul and Iyer’s impact. Their fitness and availability are key to India’s success in the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup, as BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar highlighted.
“One minor injury, you will play IPL but not for India”: Kapil Dev’s Scathing Attack At Indian Star Player
“Shreyas Iyer is as important as KL Rahul to this side. He is among the best players in the Indian lineup against spin and a consistent No.4 for India. He has played a crucial part in their success whenever he has played at 4. If he is completely fit to play, there should be no debate on the No.4 position,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel while talking about India’s Asia Cup squad.
As India prepares for the Asia Cup and the subsequent World Cup, the uncertainty surrounding the middle order seems to have found a definitive answer in KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. These two players have stepped up to the challenge, providing stability, proficiency, and versatility to India’s batting lineup. Their performances have garnered the endorsement of cricketing experts like Ravichandran Ashwin, solidifying their positions as certainties at No.4 and No.5. With Rahul and Iyer in prime form, India’s middle-order dilemma might be a thing of the past.
